What does VIN stand for?

VIN is an abbreviation for Vehicle Identification Number (sometimes referred to as VIN number). A VIN is a serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. Each motor vehicle has a unique VIN number assigned to it. Before 1981, there was no VIN number standard, so every manufacturer used a different format. Then in 1981 the VIN number standard was established. The VIN number standard is a combination of 17 and letters and numbers, excluding the letters I, O, or Q. This is to avoid confusion with numerals 1 and 0.